John Dennis (Scotland) Ltd

★★★★★

“From first meeting two of the company’s directors I was impressed by the way they engaged with the ideas my wife and I had to build a challenging and innovatory house in the back kitchen garden of our Georgian property in the conservation village of Inveresk. At tender stage the firm worked closely with me to achieve our key objectives and produce a cost effective project and this was maintained throughout the job, reaching a final account in line with the target. The standard of workmanship was generally excellent, the joinery work is of exceptionally high quality and the site manager always ensured that sub-contractors delivered to high standards with particular attention being given to keeping good relations with neighbours. Staff of John Dennis, both management and site operatives, were a pleasure to work with and all seemed to take the attitude that they were there to get the job done as a team alongside their sub-contractors and my consultants. No client should expect a complex building project with innovatory features to run its course without a hitch. There were things which did not go to plan, but the John Dennis’ approach was to tackle each as a challenge and a problem to solve as a team liaising with the consultants and client. Not once did I hear any staff looking for a scapegoat but rather they accepted the lead responsibility for finding a resolution to the problem, no matter which trade or sub-contractor had to sort the job. And, when it came to the defects period after practical completion there was no lack of attention if a fault surfaced. Having worked on promoting building industry demonstration building projects in the early 2000s which sought to modernize the industry I am keenly aware of the need for a progressive approach amongst building contractors and their sub-contractors which at the time was described as the partnering model. As a client of building development for most of my career in housing association work, I also have a wide range of experience to use as comparators of performance in the industry. In that context I have no hesitation in putting John Dennis as number one in my experience of contractors and would recommend them without hesitation for a project of the nature of ours.”

★★★★★

“I have been working with John Dennis for the last 10 years on a variety of projects, covering both domestic and public buildings, with projects ranging in scale from £200k-£2m. They are quite easily one of the most engaging and helpful contractors that I have ever worked with. John Dennis are meticulous, helpful and the quality of their workmanship is exemplary! As an architect and contract administrator, I appreciate that they work closely with consultants and clients to deliver projects that are both well crafted and built with great care and attention to detail. I find them most helpful in problem solving situations where they are pro-active to find the best outcome for the project, in terms of cost and time. The JD team themselves are approachable, knowledgeable and skilled. They understand the complexities of projects and work well with sub-contractors, consultants and clients in a personable and polite friendly manner, which is a great quality in the midst of many project stresses! I would not hesitate to recommend John Dennis to any potential project team. They will provide a positive response to your project with great skill and courtesy. Project example: Working with John Dennis we delivered the RIBA Stirling prize nominated Maggie’s Cancer Caring Center in Lanarkshire. They were instrumental in the success of this building, delivering a project with craftsmanship and quality above our expectations.”

★★★★★

“Had an extension built to my spec by John Dennis & was totally happy with all aspects of their work and they have just completed remodelling of my brothers house. The workmen are all first class. Very pleasant to deal with & nothing is too much bother. I would totally recommend this company.”